From Tateh to Baron Ashkenazy
Leaving behind the socialist movement was an important moment for Tateh. At the beginning of the book, he was disdainful of the rich, scorning at the white houses. However, after taking part in the strike, he realized that even if workers could win strikes, they would still live in poverty, still no more than slaves to the companies and machines. Though this could be construed as giving up and giving in to the capitalist owners, Tateh did the right thing by leaving socialism. His love for his daughter was his motivation throughout the book, and all he wanted to do was to make a good living for her. Turning to capitalism gave her the best outcome. However, by changing his entire way of viewing the world, he also needed to change his name to Baron Ashkenazy. This seemingly small change leaves a big mark: Baron Ashkenazy is a new character, not a continuation of one. The old Tateh has died, and he is left in an intermediate stage of Tateh/ Baron Ashkenazy. After deciding he no longer...